Adult chinook with intact adipose fins may be retained on the Cowlitz River

Action:
Anglers may keep one adult chinook with an intact adipose fin as part of the two adult chinook daily limit on the Cowlitz River

Effective date:
Sept. 18 through Dec. 31, 2010.

Location:
Cowlitz River from boundary markers at the mouth to 400 feet below Mayfield Dam Powerhouse.

Species affected:
Chinook salmon

Reason for action:
An unexpected abundance of hatchery-produced fall chinook that have not been marked with a missing adipose fin are returning to the Cowlitz River this season. This action will increase fishing opportunity this season and allow for a transition before a season-long mark-selective fishery for hatchery salmon is expected to begin next year, when all hatchery fall chinook salmon returning to the Cowlitz river will be marked with a missing adipose fin. This action does not affect WDFW?s ability to meet conservation objectives for wild salmon.

Other information:
The salmon daily limit is 6 fish of which all may be adults. Only 2 of the adults may be a chinook. Only one of the adult chinook may have an intact adipose fin. All salmon other than hatchery coho and chinook must be released. Closed waters and night closure, anti-snagging rule, boat and access restrictions remain the same as listed in the 2010-2011 Fishing in Washington pamphlet.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.